Top 10 Exact Moments a Dance Scene Became Iconic

“Do the Right Thing” (1989)

Spike Lee’s incisive masterpiece plays its opening credits over a gorgeously shot dance sequence showcasing star Rosie Perez. Perez, who was a “Soul Train” dancer, is outfitted in various revealing outfits as she dances to Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.” Her energetic and suggestive hip-hop moves are hypnotic enough. One of these costume changes sees her dressed as a prize fighter who boxes with the camera. This takes the entire dance, and the movie itself, to a whole new level. It’s not just cheeky. It’s an announcement. Like Perez, this is the moment you realize this movie is going to confront its audience.

“The Breakfast Club” (1985)

Teenagers thrown together at Saturday detention find common ground in their problems and in their music. Mid-movie, the five newfound friends dance with reckless abandon across the entire school library to a synth-tastic 80s rock track by Karla DeVito. The sequence is full of equally hilarious and cool moves that all feel like acts of adolescent rebellion. Who didn’t dream of treating their high school like a jungle gym sometimes? Their individual dances all showcase who they are, but then, they begin dancing precariously on a railing together as one. To be fair, it looks a little dangerous. But that’s why it’s punk rock.

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953)

Marilyn Monroe is inarguably one of the most iconic sex symbols in American movies. From her platinum blonde glow to her unmistakable voice, she is responsible for many of midcentury cinema’s most indelible images. In “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” she pokes fun at her character’s love of expensive jewels. Dressed in a shocking pink dress and surrounded by men circling her with diamond brooches, bracelets, and rings, she grasps at the sparkling items like dangling meat. If you want to know just how much it impacted the culture, there are over 70 years of references to pore over.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

Brad and Janet’s car breaks down in the middle of a dark forest, happening upon a castle that’s straight out of a gothic nightmare. They’re greeted by the servants Riff Raff and Magenta. Thus begins the trippy “Time Warp” number. These two are weird enough, but then the first chorus hits. They throw open the doors to reveal they aren’t alone. An entire motley crew of odd and vaguely threatening conventioneers has converged on the place for a good, old-fashioned dance party. For the first time, we really get a full view of the absolute weirdness this movie has in store for us.

“Stormy Weather” (1943)

Famed dancers Fayard and Harold Nicholas had a long career in entertainment, from vaudeville to Hollywood. The culmination of their work may be this incredible sequence from 1943’s “Stormy Weather.” Full of the fanciest, fiercest footwork you’ll ever see, the brothers tear through the “Jumpin’ Jive” number at a 10 the whole time. But the craziest part is the climax. The brothers literally leap down a staircase, over one another, and land in a split each time. The fact that they’re still standing, let alone dancing, after that is wild. Song and dance legend Fred Astaire even called it the best dance number ever seen on screen, and he would know.

“Pulp Fiction” (1994)

In the middle of Quentin Tarantino’s legendary crime movie, John Travolta and Uma Thurman take a dance break at a 50s-inspired restaurant. They whip out some of the great novelty dances of the era, doing the Twist, the Jerk, and this classic piece of choreography, which was invented for, of all things, the Batman TV series. Travolta does the Batusi at one point, where a dancer makes a moving V-sign over their eyes. Thurman responds with her own version of the move. What makes it so great is that they are just so locked in here. Their dance is a defining cinematic moment, and if you break out the Batusi at a party, people know exactly what you’re referencing.

“Risky Business” (1983)

From the first beat, this one was an instant classic. Tom Cruise stars as a high school senior left alone in his well-to-do family’s home. So, he does what anyone would do. He strips down to his tighty-whities, pops his collar, and lip-syncs for his life to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll” in his empty living room. The opening moment, with a half-dressed Cruise sliding effortlessly into frame, immediately lets you know this is going to be really, really goofy. It’s also totally relatable at the same time. That smooth entrance has been paid homage and parodied ever since.

“Flashdance” (1983)

Critics didn’t exactly love this 80s dance flick upon release. But its sexy, seductive, and flashy dance scenes made it a crowd-pleaser. This scene sees Alex doing a slinky and bracing number set to “He’s a Dream” by Shandi Sinnamon. Captured largely in silhouette, French performer Marine Jahan stands in for the movie’s real lead, Jennifer Beals. The greatest moment comes halfway through when Alex pulls a lever that unleashes a torrent of water onto her arched, dancerly body. She completes the number, soaking wet and in a very revealing leotard, as the patrons of the nightclub gaze at her.

“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)

It’s been called the best movie musical of all time. Look no further than the title number to see why. Gene Kelly stars as Don Lockwood, a silent film actor who’s in love with an aspiring actress. He’s so head over heels that not even the rain can stop him from singing about it. As Kelly dances through the city street set and studio-provided rain falls all over him, he makes it look so easy. At a pivotal moment, he jauntily hops up on a streetlamp and continues crooning. The moment has been immortalized in posters, promotional materials, and even a Disney World ride.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

You Know This Is Going to Be Crazy When They Just Stop Mid-Dance to Pose

Danny & Sandy Shake Their Stuff on a Carnival Ride

Fred Astaire Just Starts Dancing on the Walls Without Warning

This Section of Julia Stiles’ Audition Number Became a Meme Years After the Movie Came Out

Natalie Portman’s Tortured Ballet Dancer Transforms Into the Ballet’s Cursed Black Swan

“Dirty Dancing” (1987)

Sensitive bad boy dance instructor Johnny and sheltered but curious middle-class girl Baby don’t immediately have their technique down. They attempt their climactic lift earlier in the film, but they just don’t trust each other enough yet. In the movie’s triumphant final number, set to the award-winning “(I've Had) The Time of My Life,” Jennifer Grey jumps joyously into Patrick Swayze’s arms, and it’s pure movie magic. If someone knows nothing else about the movie, they know about the lift. But it’s probably best if you don’t try to recreate it yourself. Just ask Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.


Have you ever recreated one of these moments at home? Tell us in the comments.